There is historical rationale in the recommendation for veterinary practices to add a fly control service for their clients. More than 35 years ago, we had master fly-baiter contests and awards to help promote fly control at a time when our industry was just learning the science behind preventing production losses and transfer of diseases such as pinkeye and anaplasmosis.
In those years, some practices employed older locals to run routes keeping bait stations and aerosol machines full and operational. Considering the economics of fly population reduction, maybe it is time for an old idea to become new again.
Source: Bovine Veterinarian, May/June 2018. Link. Oklahoma State University livestock entomologist Justin Talley, PhD, says external parasites cause enormous economic losses to the cattle industry in the U.S. Horn flies lead the way, causing an estimated $1.36 billion in annual losses in U.S. livestock herds. Stable flies cause an additional $672 million in losses, followed by horse flies at $296 million, face flies at $191 million and ticks at $162 million.
INSIGHTS: With a bit of strategy, a fly service professional could easily cover their costs and deliver information and goodwill in communities.